Tet flower market opens early in Hanoi as blooms arrive

At Quang An Flower Market, Hanoi’s largest flower market, trading has become lively as vendors bring in hundreds of kumquat trees, peach branches and various wild flowers for sale.

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Kumquat trees, peach branches, wild pears, plums and magnolia flowers are displayed along roads surrounding Hanoi’s Quang An Flower Market.

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Many flowers have begun to bloom and are being sold early along city streets, signalling the arrival of spring in the first days of the new year.

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“Although the season has just begun, there are already many customers,” says a vendor. “At this stage, we mainly sell smaller branches as they are more affordable. Larger branches will be brought to the market in about two weeks’ time.”

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“Buying flowers early helps bring the feeling of the Lunar New Year (Tet) closer,” says Thanh Lan, a Hanoi resident who visits flower markets from late in the 11th lunar month each year.

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“I’ve sold a dozen of peach branches since this morning,” says Hoa, a peach vendor. “Demand for early peach blossoms appears to be relatively strong this year.”

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According to observations, prices range from VND80,000 to 100,000 (US$3-4) for small peach branches, while ornamental and shaped peach branches sell for about VND200,000 to 300,000 (US$8-12) each.

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Wild peach branches sourced from Lang Son, Moc Chau and Lao Cai are also on sale, priced at around VND200,000 to 500,000 (US$8–20) per branch.

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Large wild pear branches even cost around VND2 - 3 million (US$80–120) each.

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“Many trees have bloomed early this year, so we brought our products to the market earlier,” says Hoai Nam, a trader. “As it is a leap lunar year, demand in Hanoi has also come earlier. Since the start of the season, I have sold more than a truckload of wild pear branches.”

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tet flower market opens early in hanoi as blooms arrive picture 14

Many customers appear pleased as they complete their purchases and buy an early taste of Tet home.

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Alongside traditional flowers and ornamental plants, magnolia flowers imported from China are also on display at Tet flower markets this year.

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Magnolia flowers are often associated with longevity, good fortune and prosperity. Valued for their fragrance and durability, the flowers also attract buyers ahead of Tet, with prices ranging from about VND1 - 8 million (US$40–320) per branch.

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“It’s easy to care for, the blooms are large with thick petals, and it hasn’t wilted yet, so I decide to buy another branch to display until closer to Tet,” says a buyer of a magnolia branch priced at nearly VND2 million (about US$80).